ABSTRACT

Psychogenic polydipsia, a clinical disorder characterized by polyuria and polydipsia, is a common occurrence in patients with psychiatric disorders. Hyponatremia (as a result of polydipsia) can progress to water intoxication that is characterized by confusion, lethargy, psychosis, and seizures. A number of studies show that uncomplicated polydipsia and compulsive water consumption are frequently seen in anorexia nervosa, also hyponatremia is infrequently reported in the constellation of metabolic abnormalities in patients with eating disorders. In this case report we will present an adolescent with anorexia nervosa who had water intoxication after excessive water consumption with the intent of weight loss. Patients with eating disorders may consume different amounts of fluid. Early recognition of polydipsia in these patients is important because of its mortal complications. Therefore examining the amount of fluid consumption should be a part of clinical examination in patients with eating disorders. There is need for further studies examining the triggering environmental, biological, genetic factors of polydipsia in eating disorders.

Keywords: Psychogenic polydipsia, anorexia nervosa, adolescent.